John Gorrie (Jack) BOARDMAN

BOARDMAN, John Gorrie

Service Number: VX66524
Enlisted: 24 January 1939
Last Rank: Private
Last Unit: 2nd/8th Cavalry (Commando) Squadron
Born: Armidale, New South Wales, Australia , 6 October 1918
Home Town: Croydon, Maroondah, Victoria
Schooling: Kingswood College, Victoria, Australia
Occupation: Bank Clerk
Died: Road accident, Perth , 18 June 1996, aged 77 years
Cemetery: Not yet discovered
Memorials:
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World War 2 Service

24 Jan 1939: Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Signaller
19 Nov 1946: Discharged Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Private, VX66524, 2nd/8th Cavalry (Commando) Squadron

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Biography contributed by Ralph Boardman

After officer training in CMF Jack joined AIF and trained as Signaller. Served in HQ Lae, then joined 2/8 Commandos in Bouganville.

Jack's brother David Ralph Boardman was POW in Changi and Burma Thai railroad.

Jack's sister Margaret was also in uniform.

Jack was motivated to defend Australia, but he was dedicated to making Australia better place. He was active politically, and was made a life member of ALP WA, and the United Nations Association WA. He was Human Rights Convener for UNAWA and worked to establish the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. He also worked actively for the independence for Timor L'Este (East Timor).

Jack was a Cricket Tragic and a lifelong supporter of "The Mighty Hawkes" (Hawthorn) and Scarborough WA Cricket and Sports Club.

Beryl and Jack were married in 1948 and had three sons, 5 grandchildren.

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